Michigan's new driver's licenses and IDs with higher security features are now in circulation. Residents will receive the new license or ID design if applying for their first card or when renewing/replacing their current card. There is no additional cost for the new card and all valid features, designations, and endorsements on a current license or ID will transfer to the new one. Michigan's old card design featuring the Mackinac Bridge is valid until expiration and will phase out over the next five years.
To receive your first-time REAL ID-compliant license or ID, an office visit and further documentation are required.
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You are required to provide one of the following legal presence documents:
Documents may need to be verified by the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) System. Per state and federal law, we are required to verify an individual’s immigration status through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service SAVE verification system before issuing or renewing a Michigan license or ID.
Unfortunately, there has recently been an increase in delays in processing SAVE cases. In most situations, we are finding that cases are taking approximately 40 days between intake and processing.
Because SAVE is a federal program, it does not always work at the speed we would like it to, nor does it leave much room for our intervention. In some cases, congressional offices can submit a special request to expediate review of a SAVE case.
If your legal name is different from what is on your birth certificate or legal presence document, you must show official proof of the name change with at least one of the following documents:
If you’ve changed your name several times, provide documentation for each legal name change.
You are required to provide one of the following documents:
If you don’t have one of the previously listed documents, you can provide an official document with your full name and Social Security number for staff to review.
Please note: You may be required to correct your information with the Social Security Administration before applying for a license or ID.
You are required to provide one of the following documents:
Or provide two the following documents:
Parents and guardians may present their valid, unexpired license or ID to sign for their minor child.
You are required to provide two of the following documents:
If you don’t have one of the previously listed documents, you can provide an official document with your full name and address for staff to review.
During your Secretary of State office visit, provide payment for your driver’s license or ID using cash, check, money order, or credit or debit card (additional fees apply).
A standard state ID is $10.
A standard first-time license is $25.
Additional fees apply for enhanced credentials, chauffeur, and commercial licenses, and other license endorsements. Some residents are eligible for a no-fee ID.
Do I need a license or ID?If you plan to drive, you will need to apply for a license, and your license will act as legal identification. ID isn't required by the state, but is generally required by employers, retailers, and to access certain services. Information about licenses and IDs
What is the difference between a standard card a REAL ID compliant card and an enhanced card?When you’re ready to visit a Secretary of State office, provide all required documents (proof of legal presence, proof of your Social Security number, proof of identity, and two documents proving Michigan residency).
Under 18
To obtain a Michigan license, you must complete driver’s education through the Graduated Driver Licensing program, which includes passing Segment 1, Segment 2 and the on-road driver skills test.
Once you pass Segment 1 and complete the required supervised practice hours, visit a Secretary of State office to apply for your Level 1 learner's license (graduated driver's license). This hard card will be mailed to you.
After holding your Level 1 learner's license for at least six months, passing Segment 2 and completing all required supervised practice hours, you can take the on-road driver skills test. To progress to the Level 2 intermediate license, you must be at least 16 years old, have passed the on-road test and your driving record must be crash- and violation-free 90 days prior to issuance.
If you complete these steps, your graduated driver's license will update automatically in our system as a Level 2 license and you won't need to go back to an office unless other circumstances require it.
18 years or older
To apply for your Michigan license, complete and pass the vision exam and driver knowledge exam at your office visit. You will be issued a paper temporary permit to practice driving with a licensed adult for at least 30 days. A photo will be taken of you but you won't receive a photo license until you pass a driver skills test.
Once 30 days have passed, contact a driver testing business to complete the on-road driver skills test. Upon passing, your license will be mailed to you.
Converting an out-of-state license
If you have a valid, unexpired driver's license from another U.S. state or territory or Canada, you can convert it to a Michigan license at a Secretary of State office. You must provide your current out-of-state license and all required documents. New Michigan residents